Compensation Techniques – The Hero or Villain of Stroke Recovery?

We talk about compensation techniques a lot on the blog, mostly in regard to achieving a full recovery. And today, we’d like to dive deeper into the topic.

Why do compensation techniques make such a big difference in the extent of your recovery?

And how can you achieve a higher recovery?

Let’s explore.

What are Compensation Techniques?

Compensation techniques are the adaptive shortcuts used to work around stroke side effects.

They’re useful because they help you move around safely while saving time, energy, and frustration.

For example, if you can’t cook or hold a book open, you can use compensation techniques to work around the impaired motor skills. This could include cooking with one hand or reading on a Kindle.

They accomplish the same goal, just through different means.

Speed Up Recovery by Slowing Down

Compensation techniques are good when you can’t live without them.

In the example above, if cooking with two hands is impossible, then you need compensation techniques because you need to eat.

In the same way, if you can cook with two hands, then you should – even if it’s slow and frustrating – because it stimulates the part of your brain responsible for controlling those muscles. The more you stimulate your brain this way, the faster you will regain control of the affected muscles.

Avoiding the use of your affected muscles will result in a slower recovery because your brain has less stimulation.

To work past the need for compensation, you can choose to do things the hard way – and that means there’s a lot of work to do. You will need to make peace with a slow pace and constantly make the decision to be diligent.

It’s a tall order, but it’s worth it for the sake of a faster, fuller recovery.

(More on that later.)

Curiosity Is the Cure

To properly work past compensation techniques, you must constantly question your methods.

Every day or week, ask yourself, “What am I doing differently than before, and how can I get back to doing things like before?”

Your answers don’t always have to be straightforward.

Maybe you don’t go straight from reading on a Kindle to reading a book. Maybe you read on a Kindle most the time, and turn pages of a book as a form of rehab exercise.

This way, you’re making progress towards working past the compensation technique while avoiding the frustration associated with the sluggish pace of doing something you enjoy.

As long as the curiosity is there, you’ll learn to recognize when it’s time to keep things the same, and when it’s time to challenge yourself.

Your Best, Fullest Recovery

Compensation techniques make the difference between a limited and a full recovery.

Curious individuals who challenge their affected muscles will give their brains the stimulation it needs to heal fast and effectively.

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Stroke Survivor Spotlight: How Ronald Got Back to Driving

"When my outpatient rehab was over I struggled with my exercises because I had no feedback. With the FitMi, I have immediate feedback and also weekly feedback on how well I am doing.

I am having great fun with this product. It motivates me daily to continue and to surpass yesterday's accomplishments and to look forward to today's, tomorrow's, and the weekly review of what I've done.

I have noticed real-world results as well.

I drive one-footed now rather than two-footed because I can target the gas pedal and the brake with my right foot. I can target the cruise control set button with my right hand.

These accomplishments are due to the exercises and feedback of the FitMi. I can now clap my hands which was impossible before the FitMi exercises.

I cannot say enough about the quality and the results of this product, and it was worth of every penny. I have also shared with many others who might improve with the use of the FitMi."

We're so glad that FitMi has helped Ronald get back to driving as usual. That's a huge accomplishment!

If you're trying to improve movement in your body too, then FitMi can help you do it 12x faster than regular therapy.